You can add stunning dimension to your landscape by transforming ordinary bushes into elegant tree-like forms. This technique, known as “treeing up” bushes, involves strategic pruning to create a more defined trunk and canopy structure.
This guide will walk through the process of pruning bushes to resemble trees, from selecting suitable plant varieties to step-by-step shaping techniques. Whether you’re looking to define garden areas, add privacy, or simply experiment with landscape design, learning to “tree up” bushes offers an accessible way to transform your yard without purchasing mature trees.
Bushes vs. Trees: Understanding the Difference
Bushes typically have multiple stems growing from the base, creating a fuller, rounded shape. Trees generally have a single main trunk that branches out higher up. This difference in structure is what pruning aims to recreate when shaping a bush into a tree form. Trees are also usually taller than bushes. One goal when pruning is often to create the illusion of greater height and a more defined vertical structure.
Trees tend to live longer than bushes, sometimes for decades or even centuries. Bushes pruned into tree forms may require more ongoing maintenance to preserve their shape. Understand the longevity expectations to help plan a long-term care routine.
Choosing the Right Bushes for Tree-Like Pruning
Not all bushes are suitable candidates for tree-form pruning. Consider the following factors when selecting shrubs to shape into trees.
Growth Pattern
Look for bushes with dense branching habits that respond well to pruning. Some excellent options include:
- Azaleas: Known for their striking flowers and dense foliage.
- Boxwoods: These evergreen shrubs offer year-round greenery.
- Camellias: Popular for their large, beautiful blooms.
- Hibiscus: Provide tropical flair with large, colorful flowers.
- Holly: Has berries and glossy, spiky leaves.
- Jasmine: Noted for its fragrant flowers.
- Loropetalum: Known for its unique leaf coloring and delicate blooms.
- Oleander: Suitable for warmer climates with its lush growth.
- Roses: Blooming shrubs that can be shaped elegantly.
- Viburnum: Offers varied textures and sometimes fragrant flowers.
Size and Maturity
It’s usually easier to start shaping younger plants. Newly planted or younger shrubs are more flexible and more adaptable to training into tree forms. It’s more difficult—though not impossible—to shape more mature bushes.
Location
Consider where you want to place your bush-turned-tree. Make sure it has enough space to grow and won’t interfere with structures or other plants as it matures. The location also dictates the microclimate conditions, which can influence the plant’s growth patterns and overall health.
Steps to Prune Bushes into Tree Forms
Transforming a bush into a tree-like shape requires patience and careful pruning. Follow these steps for the best results.
1. Prepare Your Tools
Gather the necessary pruning equipment:
- Bypass pruning shears for smaller branches.
- Loppers for thicker stems.
- Pruning saw for any large, woody growth.
Make sure your tools are clean and sharp to make clean cuts and prevent disease transmission.
2. Identify the Main Stems
Select one to three strong, upright stems to serve as the main “trunk” of your tree form. These should be the bush’s thickest, healthiest stems with good vertical growth.
3. Remove Lower Growth
Starting from the base, prune away all growth up to the desired trunk height. This may range from six inches to several feet, depending on the bush’s size and your design preferences. Remove suckers and shoots as they appear at the base for a clean trunk.
4. Thin the Canopy
Selectively prune upper branches to create a more open, tree-like structure. We recommend removing any crossing, damaged, or inward-facing branches. Aim to maintain good branch spacing and airflow. Thinning out the canopy helps redirect the plant’s energy towards developing a stronger and more aesthetically pleasing structure.
5. Shape the Crown
Trim the outer branches to create a rounded or conical shape. Consider the bush’s growth pattern and your desired look when choosing a shape. We recommend stepping back frequently to check the overall look and adjust as needed.
6. Maintain the Shape
Regular maintenance pruning is essential to preserve the tree-like form. Prune new growth at the base and selectively thin the canopy at least twice a year or as needed for the specific plant variety. Routine maintenance helps the plant retain its shape and develop properly.
Caring for Newly Shaped Bush-Trees
Proper care will help your bushes thrive in their new tree-like forms:
Watering
Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during the first growing season after heavy pruning. Deep, regular watering encourages strong root development and helps the plant adapt to its new shape.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support healthy growth in early spring and fall. Follow the package instructions for how much to apply based on your plant’s size and species. Adequate nutrition is vital for sustaining growth and helping the plant adapt to its new form.
Mulching
Add two to three inches of organic mulch around the base of the plant, keeping it away from the trunk. This helps retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth. Mulching also insulates the roots, protecting them from temperature extremes.
Pest and Disease Management
Regularly inspect the plant for signs of pests or diseases. Pruned bushes may be more susceptible to stress, so we recommend treating any issues ASAP.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Pruning bushes into trees can be rewarding but is not without potential obstacles. Here are some common challenges and how to address them.
Uneven Growth
If your bush grows unevenly after pruning, you can selectively trim faster-growing areas to maintain balance. Encourage growth in sparse areas by pruning surrounding branches to allow more light penetration.
Reversion to Bush Form
Some bushes may try to revert to their natural form by producing suckers or low branches. We recommend removing these growths promptly to maintain the desired tree shape.
Weak Structure
If the main “trunk” seems unstable, consider staking the plant for a year or two to provide support while it establishes a stronger structure. Use soft ties to avoid damaging the bark.
When Is the Best Time for Pruning?
Timing is crucial when pruning bushes into tree forms:
- For spring-blooming bushes, prune immediately after flowering to avoid removing next year’s buds.
- For other deciduous shrubs, we recommend pruning in late winter or very early spring (before new growth emerges).
- You can typically prune evergreen shrubs any time except late fall, as this may encourage new growth that could be damaged by winter cold.
Avoid heavy pruning during periods of extreme heat or drought, as this can stress the plant. Proper timing of pruning helps the plant recover and continue to thrive.
FAQs About Pruning Bushes into Trees
Quality bypass pruning shears, hand pruners, and loppers with sharp blades work well for most pruning cuts when shaping bushes into trees. For thicker branches, use pruning saws, hedge trimmers (or hedge shears), or a chainsaw.
Prune spring-flowering bushes right after flowering. For other bushes, prune in late winter or very early spring before new growth appears. Avoid pruning during the fall to limit stress going into winter dormancy.
Expect to prune tree-form bushes at least twice yearly to maintain shape and remove basal shoots. Thin and shape selectively as the bush grows. Fertilize annually and watch for pests/diseases.
Some options for tree-shaping include: azaleas, boxwoods, camellias, hibiscus, holly, Jasmine, Japanese maple, loropetalum, oleander, roses, and viburnum. Choose varieties with dense, branching habits.
The one-third rule for pruning shrubs is a general guideline to keep your shrub from becoming a stub. The basic concept of the rule is that you should never remove more than one-third of a shrub’s growth in a single pruning. This helps maintain plant health and reduce stress. This applies to both routine maintenance pruning and more extensive rejuvenation pruning.
Following this rule helps ensure that shrubs remain healthy while achieving the desired shape and size. It’s particularly important for maintaining the long-term health of woody plants.
